Case Studies
- Laura Hannah
- Umair Iqbal
- Kurt Zdancewicz
- Rachel Perry
- Roy Boxmeer
- Hannah London
- Angela Maloney
- James Rising
- Sara James
- Daniel Young
Rachel Perry
I participated in Walt Disney World’s International College Program in the summer of 2008 in Orlando, Florida – and it was the best summer of my life!
Currently I am at the University of Southampton studying for a BA in Music and Management Sciences, as I have always wanted to work in a leadership role within the entertainment industry. After my summer with Disney though, I am now 100% focused on a career at Walt Disney World!
I originally found Yummy Jobs via an internet search. After a holiday at Walt Disney World in 2007, I realised there were lots of international Cast Members there – and I thought it seemed like a wonderful opportunity, so I headed straight to Google!
After a process of two interviews (a phone interview and a face-to-face one), both of which were extremely fun, I got the life-changing phone call saying that I had got through. I was instantly overcome with extreme excitement, but I had no idea exactly how incredible the experience was going to be.
Before going to the Sunshine State, there is quite a lot to sort out, such as a Visa, a housing deposit, flights and insurance. Fortunately though, Yummy Jobs are there to help you with every step of the process. You also have the opportunity to travel in the USA for 30 days afterwards, but you must remember that the process is costly. However, it is definitely worth it and you can also pick up extra shifts once you are working out there.
My initial fear before travelling was leaving my friends and family, however, little did I know that I was going to meet hundreds of like-minded, amazing people from all around world. My biggest issue overall was actually leaving Florida, as I really did not want to!
When I was at Walt Disney World I was placed at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort, on the Beach Club side. I was unsure what to expect, but when I arrived there I was confronted with the most fantastic resort I have ever seen! It is a beach-themed resort with its own mini water park and much more!
Whilst I was there I worked in Food and Beverage, in Hurricane Hannas (a pool-side bar), the Marketplace (a quaint shop and bakery) and Beaches and Cream (an ice-cream parlour). It was great to experience various roles and as everything at Walt Disney is extravagant and I particularly fell in love with Beaches and Cream. It is a 50s style ice-cream parlour, with a jukebox, fabulous colourful costumes for Cast Members to wear – and one of the items on the menu, a ‘Kitchen Sink’, contained 8 scoops of ice-cream, every topping in the house and an entire can of whipped cream! Only in Walt Disney World do you get items as exciting as these!
I enjoyed every aspect of the programme and I cannot wait to apply for another one. It was such an experience to want to get up in the morning and look forward to going to work. Disney is an exceptional company to work for, Walt Disney has an incredible vision and I was honoured to be involved with Disney and creating the ‘Magic’. It has also enhanced my CV tremendously, which has been useful as it is unique and has been positively commented upon by anyone who has encountered my tale! It has also made me more independent, more confident, a much stronger member within teams, helped me to experience another side of life and different cultures - and it has also taught me first-class guest service skills. The list to what I have gained from the experience is endless.
I hope my experience here inspires you to apply for this amazing opportunity.
